A Rider for All Seasons
When Hubert Backes retired from his job as a millwright at Jeep in 2000, most people would have expected him to take up building models and walking the mall. He took up bicycle riding, instead. And he took it up with a fury. Since he started keeping track in 2007, he has piled up more than 31,000 miles. And, at 73, he expects to ride another 7,000 miles this year, much of it as a ride leader for TAB (Toledo Area Bicyclists).
       All this is pretty impressive. But what really sets Hubert apart from most riders is that when the mid-day temperatures drop below freezing and the icicles build up on the eves and the winter wind whips the snow across the open fields of northwest Ohio, Hubert doesn't put his bike away. He just keeps riding. Because he enjoys it. He rides every day, and last year he led the Saturday and Sunday TAB breakfast rides throughout the winter. We got a few insights on winter riding during a recent interview.

How long have you been riding in the winter?
Hubert:   About five or six years.
Why do you ride in the winter, when most other bikers call it a season?
Hubert:   Why not? Some people ski for their winter activity, or go ice fishing or take their sleds and head for a snow-covered hill. I take my bike out and enjoy the view and have fun doing it.
What kinds of bikes do you have in your stable?
Hubert:   Most often I ride a pair of Orbea Orca road bikes, but I have a mountain bike, a Surly Travel Check touring bike with all the extras for fully loaded touring, an Actionbent touring recumbent trike for riding in snow, and a couple of old Schwinn Varsitys. I just bought a tandem, but I haven't ridden it yet. The bike I rode on a recent tour in New England is an old aluminum Cannondale cross bike which I rescued from a scrap yard. I bought a couple of new wheels for it and a Bob trailer to haul all my stuff. Worked fine.
What do you ride in winter?  
Hubert:   The mountain bike.
Do you set any limitations on your winter riding?
Hubert:   I don't ride when the snow's too deep - over a foot deep.
Are there specific joys you get from riding in winter you don't get in other seasons?
Hubert:   Each season has its own special beauty. It's what you make of it. You meet more people during summer months, though.
Do you ride with other cyclists in the winter?
Hubert:   Yes.
How many other winter riders are out there?
Hubert:   It depends on the weather. One Saturday recently we rode to Wauseon on the north fork of the Wabash Cannonball Trail, and there were 13 riders.
What needs to be done to make a bike good for winter riding?
Hubert:   Nothing special. Just keep it maintained the same way you would in summer. If there's no snow or ice, you can use your road bike. If it's icy you'll want fat, knobby tires. I have friends who have ridden their tandems a few times.
Do you ride the same routes in winter that you do in summer?
Hubert:   Sometimes I do. Other times we'll try the hard pack on the north fork of the Wabash Cannonball to Wauseon or to Liberty Center on the south fork. A few times we've taken the towpath trail to Grand Rapids.
Are there specific routes you enjoy more in winter?
Hubert:   No, I like all routes.
How do you dress for winter riding?
Hubert:   In layers. You need to stay flexible with your clothing options. I'll wear winter shoes, warm gloves, a helmet cover. If you keep your head, hands and feet warm, you'll be OK. The rest of your body will stay warm from all the work you're doing. I like fleece and a windproof layer - not necessarily waterproof. I wear a ski mask for my face.
Do you prepare any differently for a winter ride than normally?  
Hubert:   Nothing different. You just have to try to keep your water from freezing.
Do you take any extra safety measures in winter?
Hubert:   We go a lot slower and take more time at crossings.
Sloppy driving conditions mean cars have less control, as well, and drivers don't expect to see cyclists in winter. How do you deal with that?
Hubert:   That's one reason we stick mostly to bike trails.
Do drivers respond any differently to you than they do in a typical riding season?
Hubert:   Not really. Most drivers are great in giving you lots of room. There are a very few that think they own the road.
What special tips do you have for winter riders?
Hubert:   Dress warm, drink plenty of water, take your time, watch your fellow riders and just enjoy mother nature's winter wonderland.
Any advice for riders in all seasons?
Hubert:   Be predictable and safety conscious.
What do you do as a rode leader for TAB?
Hubert:   I lead the Saturday and Sunday breakfast rides, usually about 45-50 miles round trip. We go a different place each month. My job is to keep the group safe and together.

© 2010 - 2012 Bob Beach